Welcome to the Kansas Arts Network’s Advocacy Center. On this page we’ll share current information about arts legislation and issues, as well as calls for action. Arts supporters can make an impact by speaking up for the issues they care about. We encourage all Kansans to be informed and communicate with their elected officials in support of the arts.

Support Funding for the Kansas Arts Commission

The Kansas Arts Commission is the State’s Arts Agency which currently functions under the Department of Commerce. The agency has seen a fluctuation in budgeting over the years but has been operating with approximately a $1.5M budget — of which the majority goes towards granting programs across the state.

Advocacy update: 4/1/25: Thank you for all of your amazing advocacy efforts over these last few weeks! Grassroots advocacy is an impactful tool, and we couldn't have accomplished this without you and the arts supporters in the legislature.

We're pleased to share a final update on funding for the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) this budget season. The Senate accepted the House's position of $1 million for the KAC (EDIF) with a 60/40 split. Meaning 60% of funds to go to counties with populations of 85,000 or less and 40% to go to counties with populations of 85,000 or more.

Thank you to everyone who shared our social media posts and reached out to their representatives, and a big thank you to the legislators who ensured the Kansas Arts Commission was funded amidst difficult budget decisions.

Advocacy Ask: Kansans are encouraged to communicate with their state representatives and thank the legislature for approving funding for the Kansas Arts Commission. Arts organizations are encouraged to invite their state representatives to arts events in their districts and to ensure that state representatives know about how the arts benefit their district.

We’re following the narrative of Americans for the Arts for all things related to the National Endowment for the Arts.

The cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, while not unexpected, marks the next step in a deeply troubling pattern of government disinvestment in the arts. This ongoing pattern of disregard not only threatens vital funding for organizations and communities nationwide—it challenges the very infrastructure that supports cultural expression, economic opportunity, and community well-being. We must respond strategically and in solidarity to protect what we’ve built and ensure the arts remain a national priority.

The NEA is essential. The NEA reaches every Congressional district, supporting programs that reflect the full spectrum of American communities—from rural arts initiatives and veterans’ healing programs to youth education, local festivals, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. These cancellations take away what brings people together, weaken the local programs that help communities thrive, and go against the values that hold us together as a country.

Did you know: the NEA matches state funding which is a vital source of funding for the Kansas Arts Commission who distribute funds directly to Kansans through grants.

Advocacy Ask 1: Kansans are encouraged to communicate with their federal representatives regarding general funding and agency support for the National Endowment for the Arts. The ask is for a $209 million dollar allocation for the agency.

Advocacy Ask 2: Kansans are encouraged to communicate with their federal representatives regarding the termination of NEA grants. The grants terminated were Congressionally approved in previous fiscal years and the funding goes directly to benefit Kansas communities.